When Pigs Fly Zville

A Great time to be in Indy!

2012-01-30T17:06:00.007-05:00

Have you heard? The Super Bowl will be played in Indy on Sunday!!

With that being the case, we decided to head downtown with our dear friends in from DC. We were all very impressed with the massive signage on all the buildings around town, the activities in the streets connecting all the sports venues, and especially the friendly volunteers placed everywhere to improve the flow of foot traffic, and answer questions. After seeing the Zipline up close, I'm happy we pre purchased tickets for game day. Having just returned from a fun Vegas jaunt, I naturally compared the two experiences. Las Vegas certainly has things that Indy does not -

as seen here - an overabundance of red velvet for one.

The pink Cadillac being driven by Elvis (or his look alike) following the extended Hummer limo with a working open air hot tub in the back to name another.

Garth Brooks at the Wynn Hotel

(our 60th floor view from our floor to ceiling window)

was surprisingly entertaining for all types of music lovers. We even had a chance to go into the Pawn Stars shop - Gold and Silver, but sadly, Chumley was no where to be seen. Other than that, I believe the corn fields of Indiana rival the rocky desert terrain of Nevada anyday!

After walking 7 miles on the Strip, I decided a view from the top of the Stratosphere and a thrill ride would be in order. Be sure to experience that if you find yourself in Vegas with time on your hands.

Have a great week!

This is January?

2012-01-23T12:18:00.005-05:00

Can you see what is in this picture? I know it's blurry, but look closely -

SEA GULLS!

What's so special about sea gulls, you ask?

For one, this is an Indiana (as in land locked) farm field about 180 miles to the closest large body of water, and no where near a coast.

Secondly, the sea gulls are floating on a small body of water....which is NOT supposed to be there anytime, especially in JANUARY!

I find myself dragging today due to the overnight thunderstorms and high winds rattling the house what seemed like all night long. Again, the significance of this may not register if you're not familiar with Indiana in January. Here's a picture from a recent January - note the height of the snow next to the large dog.

and the newspaper usually has headlines like this:

Gusty Winds, Frigid Temps Follow Snow

6 Inches Of Snow Possible

POSTED: 5:12 am EST January 20, 2011

UPDATED: 9:51 pm EST January 20, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS -- Snow that fell steadily Thursday, accumulating across central Indiana, will begin to blow and drift as temperatures drop dramatically Friday.

Mind you, I am not complaining, only contemplating how this 50 degree weather is so very different than what we're use to here in good ole Indiana.

Hope you stay dry, and that the real Spring is not too far off in the future.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas! Blessings Abound!

2011-12-25T18:55:00.007-05:00

Meet Charlie! We were blessed with his birth several days prior Christmas, so the whole family greeted him with open arms over the holiday. This aunt's heart literally melted when she got her hands on him. 29 bodies flying around the house, and this precious angel baby just rested peacefully. His mom, Kate, is Kevin's youngest sib, and presented us with Evie just 3 years ago. Why is it that the clock stops ticking when a newborn is in your arms, and you just can't take your eyes off him? The day passed way too quickly, that's for sure!

As we played the "Get a gift, take a gift" game, I eyed the Chicago popcorn can that Uncle Mel had so intuitively selected, and when my turn came, I grabbed it, and then tried to keep the rest of the room distracted until the game was finally over, and my popcorn was safe! (With me!)Be sure to visit Garrett's if you are in the greater Chicagoland area. Scrumptious! The gift though, which made us ooh and awe, was definitely the CES 2011. Grandpa Charlie (note the name) creates a hand crafted gift from wood each year. Each year we recipients anticipate with excitement opening that year's CES model. This year he out did himself. We each received a cross for our homes. Mine, created from Aspen and Mahogany, is in my opinion, the most beautiful of all. Thank you Grandpa! We have already found it a home on our entry way wall! We are blessed.

After attending Christmas Eve service with the family, we headed south, with Kevin at the wheel. He did a spectacular job of getting us home so our kids could be tucked in their own beds about midnight. (Important for them even though they are now both legally adults!) As we went thru the day's mail, I came upon a box for me from my cousin. As the name of this blog implies, I like pigs; flying ones at that. So I occasionally receive flying pigs of all kinds. Upon opening the box, I saw two of these adorable guys:After further inspection, I saw a note explaining that not only had my cousin hand crafted this himself, but also used the walnut wood from my grandfather's farm (established in 1930) and the southern yellow pine from his shed which was just recently taken down. The thoughtfulness of this gift really overwhelmed me. Little did my grandfather who was born in 1892 in Germany, know that a shed he was building on Midwest farm land would be used in 2011 by his grandson to create a lovely gift for his granddaughter, who would pass these ornaments down to his great grandchildren. Again, that overwhelming feeling that I am blessed.

I know that each person reading this is blessed as well, in their own way. Just take the time to notice these blessings and to feel grateful for them!

Merry Christmas 2011, and God Bless!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-08T19:16:00.007-05:00

The Christmas Cactus has come through yet again this season. This plant is precious to me as it was given to me by my mother who was given a start many years ago from my grandmother. I remember admiring my grandmother's huge plant on her sun patio, and those memories come alive as I see my plant thriving.

It's also beginning to smell a lot like Christmas with the oven in full operating mode these days. I took this plate to a "Wrapping party" which is a fun way to wrap gifts, and share holiday treats.
The sounds of Christmas are filling our home while I'm busy decorating the tree, and starting to work on the cards.
Thanks to my awesome hubby, Kevin, and to ebay, I can put THIS under the tree for me. Now I will have visions of future sewing projects dancing in my head! Yippee!

Well, the sugar cookies are calling for icing - ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!

Green Eyed Chocolate Junkie

2011-12-04T19:22:00.008-05:00

I like to think of myself as a happy, well rounded, healthy person. Typically I delight in others happiness, and don't usually find myself feeling jealous. Because of this, I was surprised this week after viewing a photo so kindly shared via Skype by my first born, that I was feeling slightly annoyed and even green with envy regarding her most recent outing in Paris to a chocolate shop where she was able to drink hot chocolate (actually more like warm, melted chocolate) while eating the most beautiful, drooling inflicting, chocolate treasures.

Most of my family and friends know my feelings about chocolate as evidenced by the many gifts over the years of chocolate treats, cookbooks, and even attire referencing it (see photo of my feet as I write this!) My life philosophy can be summarized as follows: Daily dilemmas- solved with chocolate. Happy occasions- celebrated with chocolate. Sorrows- drowned in chocolate. Boredom- abated by chocolate. Exercise- rewarded with chocolate! There you have it...I am the definition of a "chocolate junkie". Oh well, I guess there are worse things in life than being a green eyed chocolate junkie. Such is life.
On a brighter note, December has arrived which means Sarah returns this month! Can't wait to give her big hugs. In the meantime, our holiday decorations are currently being rediscovered in various boxes, and being placed around the house. Last week we had a day of winter weather, so I snapped this picture:
Warm wishes to all of you as you make your way through this season shopping, baking, writing cards, visiting with loved ones, and of course.....eating lots of CHOCOLATE!!

Blessings Abound!

2011-11-21T13:02:00.015-05:00

It's the time of year to reflect on the blessings which are present all around us. Whether a big event like getting a defense verdict in a trial in which you were on the defense team, or a small thing like walking out your front door into the fragrant fresh air on a sunny day, and all the events in between, it is evident that we have much for which to be thankful.

Between my husband and me we have four parents. After a summer of heart issues in a couple of them, we are thankful they are all still with us. I'm thrilled that Miss Fanny has found a new home where the love between them is all mutual. So fun to watch!

As a mom of a teenage son, I was especially grateful for the uninterrupted time he and I were able to spend together a few weeks ago on a college visit. We mixed some fun into the trip as well. The Astronaut Hall of Fame was close by so we spent hours wandering thru the exhibits, imagining the possibilities that come through space explorations. We laughed together as we discussed that had our entire family been present, we would not have been able to be as thorough and spontaneous as we both wanted. The conversations, laughs, and exploring we did together I will hold dearly in my memory bank.

(Yes, he looks like an alien, but he really is our son)

Prior to that trip, I was blessed to have R&R (both in CA and abroad) with my best friend who happens to be my hubby of 25 years. We had lots of time to reflect on our lives together and our dreams for our future as empty nesters which is approaching at lightning speed. We both are wondering how in a blink of an eye our babies can possibly have morphed into these two incredible individuals.

I find it interesting that the things for which we are most grateful are not material things at all, but relationships. So as you trudge through this Holiday season, make time for those you hold dear. Think about spending time on your loved ones instead of money. Consider spending your money on those who really do need it. It will make you feel better at the end of the day.

Here are a few I think are really worthwhile:

Boone County's Love Inc. A more global cause could be: Falling Whistles, or KIVA.

There are many animals that need our funds as well: A Horse Sanctuary,

Heart for Dog Rescue, Indianapolis Humane Society, to name a few.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Housewife of Boone County visits the OC

2011-11-06T21:49:00.023-05:00

Little did I know when I jumped on a plane with Kevin for a quick trip to the West coast, that a surreal experience was in store for me. Understand that had I chosen to forego said trip I would be doing the typical "Housewife of Boone County" things: mucking stalls, doing laundry, scrubbing toilets, fertilizing the field...(or refer to my July 2010 post) much much different than life for a "Housewife of Oranage County." Let me explain. Upon our arrival at the John Wayne Regional Airport we were whisked away in a black Lincoln with tinted windows where iced water bottles were placed by each seat. After a quick ride down the "PCH" or the Pacific Coast Highway to you and me, we arrived at our destination in Laguna Beach - The Montage Resort. Not only did the Reception clerk check us in, but she also toured us around the property before depositing us in our room where a bottle of champagne was already being iced and a bowl of fresh fruit brightened the entryway. Of course the view from our balcony was breathtaking.

A quick stroll through the property confirmed the beauty of the location with countless varieties of flowers and plants (meticulously cared for by dozens of staff members) leading down to a lovely sandy beach where Catalina Island could be seen way off in the distance. Whew!

After we got settled, we realized that with the time difference we had completely missed lunch and dinner East coast time, but our real dinner wouldn't be served for hours. To remedy the situation, we walked (yes! -under our own power, no driver required, much to the staff's dismay) a block down the road to Ruby's Diner (imagine our Steak 'n Shake.) Again it was clear to us we weren't in Boone County when we looked at the menu and found Tofu burgers, bunless burgers, hi-protein lettuce wraps, etc. in addition to the usual hamburger, fries, and shake options. It didn't take us long to realize as we made our way around the resort that whenever staff members saw us they stopped in their own tracks until we passed. At first I thought maybe I was taking up too much of the walkway...but no. After multiple tests, I concluded that this was required. Unnerving, or described with an "S" word, SURREAL. A few nights later having a night cap at the hotel bar, the bartender explained the "Four S's" each staff member, regardless of rank, is required to perform at the first sight of a guest. STOP! STEP ASIDE! SMILE! (and make eye contact), and make an appropriate SALUTATION! There you have it- Surreal!

To top off all the service during the day, each night not only was our bed turned down, but we each had a fluffy pair of slippers perfectly placed on a white pressed linen square by the bed which had a sleeve of fancy chocolates waiting for us. During all of this, I really just wanted to tell them to relax...if I weren't here, I'd be at home in Boone County, Indiana, loading up my poop truck with muck buckets! So, if your travels ever call for you to be in Orange County, CA, opt for the Montage so you too can pretend to be a STAR while enjoying the breath taking views of the Pacific Ocean in the lap of luxury!

No trip to LA would be complete without a meal shared with Kevin's cousin Gregory who we fondly refer as our family's "Forrest Gump," but only in a positive way! (He's even running the LA Marathon for a great cause...please consider donating!)Having lived in LA and worked in the "business" for several years now, he has had his fair share of famous/interesting encounters. As we learned this time, he expanded his "encounter" territory recently as he travelled to London to see his Chicago Bears play at Wembley Stadium, ending up with a photo of himself between Hall of Fame Steelers Running Back Jerome Bettis and NFL Commissioner Goodell. Not only was he called on to ask a question during the press conference, but also was quoted in the Chicago Tribune (see link!) We also heard about his visit with our Sarah in Paris. Funny that after years apart, it was in Paris of all places, that they reconnected. It is proof positive that family values have been instilled in both of these young adults. We are so proud of both of them! I figured here would be a good spot to insert a photo of these cousins from years past...but after scouring the photo albums, I could only come up with this one circa 1992.

Most pictures of Gregory involved a rambunctious giggling Eric...as seen here! We look forward to our next story filled meal with Greg, and in the meantime, wish him well on his "Forrest Gump" like running and encounters!

Terrific Trip!

2011-10-20T09:23:00.012-04:00

I am blogging from the comfort of my own home office, which is proof that it IS possible to leave an 18 year old son in charge when you leave the country - without him burning down the house, or forgetting to feed our four-legged friends (or himself for that matter!) Yay Eric! We are proud of you!

With that said, on to my most recent update of When Pigs Fly Zville happenings! Remember that glorious weather mentioned in the previous post? Well it followed us across the ocean to London where we spent a few days sampling the drawn ales and taking in the city on a Fat Tyre Bike Tour,

which we highly recommend if your travels take you to London, Barcelona, Paris, or Berlin!The tour includes all kinds of facts and stories. I was surprised that London has over 7 million people, and "The City of London" which is the one mile square at the very center, (where we were staying) has over 300,000 people working in it every day.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben were just of few of the sights we took in. We wound our way through St. James Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Park where we walked thru the Princess Diana Memorial gardens.

From London, we left on a train heading SE through the lovely English countryside then under the English Channel (which only took about 20 minutes to do in this high speed train) and into France arriving in Paris two and a half hours later where we were thrilled with the opportunity to witness Sarah in her everyday environs. It really fills our hearts with pride as we watch our "little girl" maneuver in a big city using a second language as comfortably as her native one. She took us through the Louvre which serves as her classroom one night a week. If you have to take a Renaissance Art class, where better? Many objects on display are really breathtakingly beautiful.

Once again we jumped on bikes and headed out to see a city, this time at night - what a sight it is. The grand architecture well lit against the night sky dazzles the eyes. The night was capped off with a Seine River cruise seeing the monuments, churches, and buildings from a different perspective. What fun we had, and Kevie did a spectacular job keeping the tour moving from the "deirriere" earning himself a T-shirt!

I just can't say enough about authentic French chocolate crepes, freshbaguettes, and chocolate croissants - other than they are the reason my clothes currently do not fit!

We enjoyed meeting Sarah's host mother, Patricia, a native Parisian. Her lovely apartment is located in a quiet neighborhood (17, for those of you familiar with the city) and has a wonderful sports center right across the street where Sarah has joined a Track Club and runs each day.

Our visit had to end too soon, as it always does, but we left Sarah feeling confident that she is maximizing her opportunities and absorbing the culture all around her. If you find yourself in Paris before Christmas, she makes an outstanding tour guide!

We left the great weather behind and came home to wet, windy, and 40s. The rain gage has risen to the 3" mark, so I do believe our draught is officially over! I guess it's time to dig out the gloves and scarves.....

Blue Skies Galore!

2011-10-09T17:14:00.012-04:00

Glorious autumn days...again and again. I will certainly try to remember these days when the cold gloom of winter seems endless! The blue of the sky this past week was as deep as I've ever seen it here in Indiana - truly amazing. As you can see from the picture below, harvesting has begun. Each year when I hear the combines in the field next door, my pulse quickens and I find myself out in the yard camera in hand, snapping away. Why I find the whole process so thrilling is somewhat baffling - but needless to say, I have plenty of pictures for the Harvest Album! Also, I never grow bored watching the horses graze contently in the pasture while the cats are hunting their prey, and the dogs are chasing each other around in circles.

Friday night was Eric's Senior night for football. It was great that both sets of his grandparents and

Aunt KJ were on hand to see his game. He has worked very hard for four years, so it was nice that he was honored in front of the home crowd. The eighty degree weather helped make the night enjoyable too.

Saturday was one for the "Perfect Fall Day" record books between the weather, the company I was with (my own two favorite guys in addition to my adorable niece and her dad), and getting to see our beloved Boilermakers crush Minnesota. We even introduced Eric to the Triple X where he downed the Boilermaker Pete Burger. Speaking of Purdue Pete,

The Purdue All American Marching Band paid tribute to American Superheroes, so it was only appropriate that Purdue Pete would show up in a cape wearing his own "SuperPete" costume and ride on top of the World's Largest Bass Drum! We really enjoy watching our family friend, a Jr. at Purdue, who IS Purdue Pete make such great lasting college memories.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your October and stop every so often to enjoy the various colors, sounds, and smells that are all around! (Oh - and Go Boilers!)

October Happenings

2011-10-02T22:28:00.010-04:00

As a parent, I am always amazed when I realize that some nugget of advice given to my child through the years actually STUCK! So read it for yourself....on Sarah's blog this week! But I really can't take the credit for said advice because I got it from this one:as she clearly exudes a positive attitude as evidenced by this photo that I snapped as she came out of recovery from her successful heart surgery last week! I only hope at 83 I can be just like her! The newest member of their family by the way, Fanny, has settled in quite nicely.

This past week was a whirlwind of activity - A fun Colts game, where I got to catch up with a few former work buddies and had an awesome view of the football field sized American flag (the only good view from our seats however),

an amazing Elivs Costello concert with my sweetie, and dinner at my new favorite Indy pizza place: Napolese

The weather has been amazingly beautiful which reminds me why I love AUTUMN, not only that I get beautiful bday flowers (thanks Chonna!), but also because I get to spend lots of time outdoors enjoying the crisp air, blue skies, and vibrant colors!

Here's one last photo for your viewing pleasure - Duncan from a different perspective! Have a fabulous week!

Happy Birthday LINDA!

2011-09-24T22:47:00.015-04:00

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Linda, Happy Birthday to you! Kings and Queens and Princes too want to wish you all that's new, so WHICH DAY WHAT DAY WHAT DO YOU SAY? BIRTHDAY? Happy Birthday to YOU!"

That's right, its my dear sister's birthday so I have to make sure she knows how SPECIAL she is! From the minute she arrived:, all of those homemadechocolate birhday cake celebrations that started when she was ONE: , to her great smile: , she has always been the best sister a girl could ever ask for, leading the way, setting great examples:

So today, I want to wish her the best of birthdays, just wish I could be there to celebrate with lots of laughs. But I'm sure your family will oblige!

Love you Lindee!!

One in a Million

2011-09-19T18:47:00.005-04:00

Or 1 in 3200 according to NASA! Per the Washington Post, even rocket scientists can’t say for certain when, or where impact will occur, "Out-of-control crashing satellites don’t lend themselves to exact estimates even for the precision-minded folks at NASA. The uncertainty about the “when” makes the “where” all the trickier, because a small change in the timing of the reentry translates into thousands of miles of difference in the crash site."

But further review reveals that NASA says that the 6 ton satellite which is coming at us at 5 miles PER SECOND is expected to break into 300 pieces, but only 100 will make impact, and "To be clear: that's the odds that any of the wreckage will hit any of the planet's 7 billion people, not the odds of hitting any specific person."

THE UARS SATELLITE

So for those of us worried about being struck by falling debris, I guess we really do

have a better chance of winning the lottery!

On to brighter topics, my birthday weekend! My hubby took me to a great little Italian pizza place on North Pennsylvania Avenue called Napolese. It was delicious. Then we stopped at Nordstroms for birthday shopping where I ended up with a cute skirt outfit and a new black leather jacket. The actual birth day was enjoyed with family, horses, dogs, and good friends.

September - the best month of the year!

2011-09-04T16:42:00.007-04:00

Happy September!
Hope your September has has already given you reasons to smile. I know mine has!

The football season has started off well for the Eagles with two wins. The Boilermakers pulled out a win in the ridiculous heat this past Saturday, but regardless of how they play I do love Ross Ade Stadium, the Purdue Marching Band and seeing the collegiates we know at the game. (We missed seeing Flo this time, but Joey looked great in the band!)

Last week we had a new member added to our extended family....meet Fanny, my 84 yo dad's birthday present (and she actually was born ON his birth date!)

She is as sweet as can be, a great ball chaser, and a loyal follower. They adopted her from the Heart for Dog Rescue, which was a really good experience. I'm really happy for their household and for her.

We also had the pleasure of seeing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on the lawn at Conner Prairie with a bunch of Zville buddies. The band was very entertaining with many folks swing dancing up front. We saw a spectacular sunset, a blue moon, and a great fireworks show to cap off the evening.

Of course the main reason I LOVE SEPTEMBER is that it"s my birthday month and the birthday month of.....My original friend, Kathy Ann, and many other friends ADAM (who I can't believe is a freshman in college!) Arlene, Amy, Brad, Jordin, Michelle, Vicki, my sister Linda and Brother-In-Law Michael, just to name a few!

And so it goes....

2011-08-24T17:45:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again that feels like it should be summer (90+ degrees and 90+ humidity), but the crazy schedule is in full swing. School - football - football - football - etc.

We said goodbye to Sarah this week as she heads off to Paris. The Cobblestone Grill was her choice for her farewell dinner, always a great choice! She is excited about a great study abroad experience, so we are thrilled for her as well.

Eric is in football mode...and we are trying our best to keep him in college application mode too! Hard to believe that he's already at that stage. Like I said....and so it goes....and goes!

Here he is with his game face on. Looking forward to a GREAT SEASON!

Silver Anniversary

2011-08-08T21:12:00.005-04:00

Happy Anniversary, Kevin!

It does not seem possible that in a blink of an eye twenty five years have flown by! I love you more with each passing year. Thank you for making my dreams come true. I love you!

Who could have guessed
When we began married life
How entwined we'd become
As husband and wife.
After 25 years
We still say "I Love You"
In many different ways.
May Silver remind us,
We share a special happiness
Life gives to very few. - Author Unknown

Kevin & his brother Michael

Carolyn & her sister Linda

National Holiday 2011

2011-08-07T22:39:00.009-04:00

Happy Birthday Kevin!

I hope starting your day at Good Morning Mommas , a bike ride on the trail with your bride, and then dinner enjoyed with a few friends (and your parents) made your day special. Who knew this little tyke would grow up to be a great husband, father, friend, and attorney?! But one thing was certain - you would always be stylin'!

We love you Kevin!

Happy Birthday America

2011-07-08T17:37:00.007-04:00

Visiting our Nation's Capital brings our childhood history lessons to life. Every visit is different because there are so many museums and the exhibits are dynamic. Bringing a visitor here for his first visit is FUN! (Even if he is wearing THAT shirt)
After taking in the sights and tastes of the Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, we were presented with the incredible voice of Josh Groban who was doing his rehearsal and sound check for the July 4th festivities on the Mall. It made our exploring very special!

The Museum of Native American History was serene and peaceful, yet alive with culture and color. The architecture was wonderful.

Witnessing Sarah in her work environment at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History was rewarding as her parents. She is completely enthusiastic and immersed in the research she is doing, all while appreciating her opportunity and enjoying her surroundings.

The trip could not have been complete without the detour to the New River Gorge Bridge- the largest steel arch bridge in North America at 1700 ft high and 3030 ft across, according to Eric, our family bridge aficionado. Thanks, Adam, for playing along! We really enjoyed having you trek across this great land with us!

Here and there

2011-06-28T18:34:00.018-04:00

Had a relaxing and fun weekend with Kevie around town. Friday night we strolled down Main Street for the Brick Street Art Walk.

Local artist Cindy Newcomer had some of her wonderful paintings on display and one seemed to be speaking to me, so we bought it...as an early 25th anniversary present to ourselves. Yay us!
Brew Haha, a fundraiser for the Phoenix Theatre was held Saturday just off Mass Ave. in Indy.

We caravanned downtown with the Allens in our Smart cars. The sun was shining and the temperatures were pleasant so they had a great turn out for the tasting of beers from local micro-brewers. My new favorite is called Two Lucys by Thr3e Wise Men Brewery . It's a blackberry wheat beer and very smooth. After we left that event we stopped by this spot and purchased some of these! Yum!

Sunday brought a nice bike ride and some tooling around in Smartee enjoying the sunshine and good music.
In the mean time, Derby the puppy is still wearing me out. Here is a perfect example of what I witness on a daily basis:

It's the "inertia" time we spend together that I find so fulfilling...whether we are chatting, listening to good tunes, laughing (well not so much when Mr. Carmel Police Officer pulled us over), or visiting with friends. These times confirm just how blessed we really are!

Hope you all have lots of laughs with family and friends over the Fourth! I know we will!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-18T11:16:00.006-04:00

Happy Father's Day to some amazing fathers! I have been fortunate to have great fathers all around me. As the years march on, the more aware of this I become!

First and foremost is the father of my children, Kevin-you are such a wonderful presence in your children's lives - a great example of who to be and how to live. Thanks for always being our rock- and making our children's lives special in so many ways. I could not have dreamed of a better life. I love you with all my heart!

Next is my own father, aka Daddy. As a father of four girls, you may have wished for a boy, but if you did, we never knew it. Whether it was building me those awesome stilts that were the envy of all the neighborhood kids, carrying me around on your shoulders pointing out all the Martins in your bird houses, letting me "help" you change the oil, hold the solder, or just tag along for a car ride, you were happy to let me shadow you. Little did you know then, that you were priming me for an engineering career very similar to yours! Better yet, you have been a wonderful Papa to my children, continuing to teach them all kinds of things. Happy Father's Day Daddy! I love you!

Finally, there's Grandpa Charlie, who has been the world's best Father-in-Law! You welcomed me into your family with love and laughter. Thank you for being such a great role model to my husband. Clearly you gave him a great pattern to follow. Thank you for always offering to help with the various projects that come with kids and households. Your'e the best! Happy Father's Day Chuck! I love you!

Summer's Finally Here!

2011-06-08T14:27:00.007-04:00

Sitting in the cool grass in the shade of a tree with my dogs resting peacefully by my side, enjoying the breeze, the chirping birds, and watching the horses graze in pasture, I realized...it's summer! It's been a long time coming it seems, but Eric is finally done with the extra days of school they tacked on to the original last day. His football and wrestling conditioning has begun. No rest for the weary in that department! His first order of business was the #2 BUZZ! His eyes are once again, the prominent feature of his face!

I forgot what it was like having a toddler (Derby the 4 mos. pup) around the house. Exhausting! The best part about summer for me is that her care now officially transfers to ERIC! Good luck with that, son! Her nose NEVER stops, whether searching for the cats, or finding the cat food.In this photo, Derby jumped up on the bench, stepped up on the trashcan, and stretched across the aisle to reach the cat food on the third shelf. Hmmm....Eric has his work cut out for him with this one!

We're sure Sarah is enjoying the Smiths and the Smithsonian every day. I can't even imagine all the cool "specimens" she is cataloging. Ah, the stories she will have to add to her already incredible life story. But that really doesn't make us miss her any less!

As I was typing, Derby was sleeping....for about 7 minutes, so now it's back out the door into the exciting world for us!

Hope you all enjoy your summers!

April Showers DO Bring May Flowers!

2011-05-22T17:53:00.003-04:00

We've all been saying "Rain rain go away!" On the bright side, however, the flowers are thriving. It seems like a long time since we've enjoyed the bright colors and lovely fragrances that flowers bring. Leo is loving his new pal, Derby. He no longer mopes around the house and yard like he did after Millie's passing. Eric picked Derby from the Humane Society a few weeks ago, and she has adjusted very well to her new home. We believe she will certainly do justice in honoring Millie's memory

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-07T09:37:00.008-04:00

As I sat browsing the internet on my iPad today, my hubby asked what I was so intent on researching. I responded that I was determined to find a poem or letter written for a wonderful mother for Mother's Day, and I would post it as a gift to my mom with some pictures. He laughed and told me to write a poem for my mom myself! Well, being an engineer, I pride myself on being efficient, direct, and logical, to name a few skills, but this particular skill set does NOT include writing. Just the other day via Skype, I was informed, and I quote, "Mom, you are a TERRIBLE editor! You have no idea how to put together a sentence....WHERE is DAD?" Well, I told my husband that if it was left up to me to write a Mother's Day Poem, it would consist of a LIST of reasons why my mom is amazing. He promised me that if I put together the list and gave it to him, he would gladly make a poem of it.....then he read my list, and said "Print it." As I replayed memories of my mom in my head, these were the words that most often applied.....

THE REASONS MY MOM is an AWESOME MOM

Kind Heart

Great mind

Faithful

Happily serves

Vast capacity to make everyone feel loved

Uncanny intuition

Always willing to LAUGH at any given situation

Generous - with time, ears, smile, hugs, reflections, patience

Creative

Supportive

Always up for an adventure (check out the picture of her on top of an Austrian glacier!)

Great gardener

Interesting and dynamic

Healthy as a horse (or healthier as compared to my cur

rent horse standing in his stall)

Growing up with a mother that has all of these traits (and more that I haven't even listed) makes for a wonderful childhood. Best of all, though, was having the perfect example of what a mom should be so that when the time came I knew what to strive to be for my own children, so they too could become the best that they could be.

Thank you, Mommy, for always smiling your love on me! May your Mother's Day be blessed. My love for you is more than my words can begin to describe.

Forever your #4

Happy Easter!

2011-04-21T14:49:00.008-04:00

Browsing through old pics, I was surprised to find very few photos of Easter morning. Guess it must have always been a bit too hectic for one of mom's photo sessions. These are 1995 vintage. Oh how sweet they were. (are?!) Hard to believe these two are 20 & 18 and their childhood is now only a memory.

Speaking of memories, it has been mandated that the basement be purged. That's right, the Little Tykes papaphernalia, dresser full of Ty Beanie Babies (remember the line at McDonald's for the Beanie Baby toys?), piles upon piles of books, infinite craft supplies, dress-up boxes, figurines and Legos galore....all have to go. "But where?" I ask. That is like asking me to throw my memories out to the curb. Hmmm....an episode of "Hoarders" could be in my future if I don't get past this hurdle. Suggestions of how to accomplish this daunting task are certainly appreciated!

Note the mischievous look on the boy's face, and that sums up why there are so few Easter pics!

We wish you a Happy Easter and remember to enjoy each moment as it too will too soon become just a memory.

Blessings!

Goodbye WINTER!

2011-04-08T19:31:00.003-04:00

We celebrated the coming of Spring....playing in the SNOW! Yes, I really do claim this crazy hatted 18 year old as my own!
While others were basking in the sunshine we were skiing in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, and checking out the sites of the 2010 Winter Olympics in and around Vancouver. Who knows, maybe Eric has bobsledding in his future! A good time was had by all and we were happy that Kevie's scheduled opened up so he could join in the fun!

Glorious Days

2011-03-10T16:48:00.018-05:00

St. Martin,F.W.I.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Leaving the winter doldrums behind in Indiana and heading to places where God's glory is so evident in His scenic landscapes certainly revives the soul!

Blessings have been abundant throughout my life starting early with loving, intelligent, nurturing parents, great sisters, animals of all kinds making for a dynamic household, then continuing with a solid education, being fortunate to meet the love of my life early on and having him by my side through thick and thin, wonderful extended family, two amazing children (loving & intelligent albeit quirky), fulfilling jobs, and all the while many friends enhancing my life positively.

Yes, these are all facts, yet somehow the daily grind, gray skies, miserable weather, and short days can push the blessings to the recesses of my mind. While Indiana offers the kindest, most down to earth people in the country, it is lacking in amazing scenery. (Yes, I know, the dynamic countryside due to growing crops, rivers, forests, barns, etc., ARE beautiful in their own rite!)

So anytime I can get away to go enjoy the outdoors elsewhere, I jump at the chance!

St. Martin:

We visited this Caribbean island for our 25th Anniversary with two couples who are dear friends. We enjoyed the beaches, ocean, food, and many laughs!

Crested Butte, Colorado:

Then it was off to the Rockies to catch up with one of my best friends from jr. high and high school. It always amazes me how easily we start right where we left off when reuniting with close friends after long absences.

The town of Crested Butte itself is an old mining town from the mid 1800's which has kept its western charm. It is surrounded by the incredible views of the western Rockies, specifically the Paradise Divide, the Gunnison National Forest, and Mount Crested Butte. This is all the info I gleaned from my visit of only a few days. It certainly did not take me even that long to fall in love with this place.

I hope you enjoy some of the photos I shot with my new TINY Nikon point and shoot. I am still experimenting with it! Hope you all have a great March!

R.I.P. Millenium aka "Millie" 2000-2011

2011-02-18T10:31:00.006-05:00

What a great blessing Millie was for our family. She truly loved "her people" and smiled often.

Whether it was running thru the pasture like the wind, or positioning herself quietly under your hand, she lived life to its fullest. She will be sorely missed, but she no longer suffers, and is at now at rest. God's creatures are amazing and we are just honored that He gave us Millie for 11 delightful years.

UNCLE!! (Enough already!)

2011-02-05T10:11:00.003-05:00

Here is today.....they said "a dusting"....that was 3" ago.

Just a few short months ago we gazed at our Winter Wonderland with awe. Fast forward through days of single digit temps, 50 mph wind gusts, ice, sleet,snow, ICE, more single digit temps to this week's forecast...SNOW! Every single day! Here Eric shows what hours of chiseling and digging produces: About 3'X 1' of clean driveway.

This is Indiana, not North Dakota. Come on already....enough is enough (even Leo thinks so).

Icepocolypse 2011

2011-02-01T17:34:00.007-05:00

What a wacky winter! Snow covered ground for the majority of the time since December 1st. Weekly snow storms and now....ICE + WIND + SNOW = BLIZZARD Warning! The radar looks very colorful so we are preparing for the worst.

We were fortunate enough to pick up a new generator,

so that will help cushion the blow if necessary.

Eric was thrilled with a Snow Day, and spent most of the day lounging in his "New" room.

His Sienna, Italy flags are hung with care on the wall and various other flags are on the windows and ceilings. It seems he has become permanently attached to his new leather recliner. Oh to be 17 again!

Hope you are all comfortable and safe wherever you may be. I'm using this time to get a good start on a quilt I've just started....and make regular trips out to the barn to hear the scolding neighs from its residents telling me they don't like being cooped up!

Happy 2011!

2011-01-09T22:30:00.013-05:00

Good food and good friends is always a winning combination, so that's what we chose this year for NYE. As an added bonus, we got to watch the PURDUE BOILERMAKERS beat Northwestern.

Sarah decided a bit more fun must be had prior to her departure, so she and Claire arranged to hit the slopes (or slope in some cases) for some fun, exercise, and laughs. While the driving was left up to the moms, it was still a great way to work in a little extra "mother-daughter" time. The moms certainly enjoyed a few laughs of their own along the way. Kudos to both young ladies for trying something new - Snow Boarding! Outstanding! Here's a peek....first is LUCY (aka Kate) and then Sarah:

The beautiful snowfall completed our picturesque Winter Wonderland at Caberfae Peaks. Hope your 2011 brings blessings and prosperity to you all!

Tis the Season!

2010-12-27T16:13:00.003-05:00

I guess I am not the only one with BBD (Big Butt Disease) as this photo demonstrates, Santa has it too and even got stuck in the chimney!

The CES2010 is a big hit with its multi-functional uses - salad/chip bowl, hat, drum set to name a few!

It was great that family could come from far (Wash DC and Oxford) and near (Indy) to enjoy family time in Chicago. Thanks to the Buffalo Grove and LaGrange hosts for great food and many laughs!

Christmas with the Fishers!

2010-12-24T13:09:00.003-05:00

What a nice time we had with the Fishers! The grandchildren are now bigger than Grandma and Grandpa! The cousins had lots of laughs, whether it was giving Aunt Kathy a makeover, or crashing helicopters together. Good times. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T13:00:00.008-05:00

Hard to believe that this little girl is just finishing her college mid-sophomore year finals! Sarah will arrive in Indiana tomorrow, and after a quick jaunt to St. Louis we will have our girl home, carefree and jubilant for the holidays!

Also joining us this week are the Fishers of Memphis!

While the appearance of these cherubs has changed just a bit since this 1996 shot, the expressions captured are still the same! It will be great to be together again. Many laughs are shared as memories are continuing to be made!

We hope that the birth of Jesus be at the center of your celebrations this week and that His blessings be with you throughout 2011!

It's December!

2010-12-01T13:23:00.005-05:00

With the blustery weather outside, and the snowflakes falling, I had to don my "Winter Barn Chore Uniform" before heading out this morning. Since I was home alone, except all the beasts, I had to laugh out loud to myself when I caught my reflection in the mirror. Since you may need a good laugh on this first day of December, I decided to share the image! (It's the HAT htat makes the picture, though!)

Enjoy the season!

Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T21:09:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving Day brings family together, whether in person or through technology. Here we see Miss Evie on Skype singing her ABC's from Washington, DC all the way to Indiana!

A lovely meal was shared with loved ones!

This yummy birthday special was in honor of Grandpa Charlie and Karen's upcoming birthdays. What is it you ask? A Spumplellow! A spice cake with a pumpkin pie in the center on top of an apple pie in a yellow cake! Success! Read about it in a news paper article and couldn't resist giving it a try.

The newest nephew in the family, Blaise, carries a birthday gift to Karen. What a cutie, and we are so glad they were able to make the trip to visit Indiana!

Who Knew?

2010-11-15T20:38:00.007-05:00

It's hard to believe that it was more than twelve years ago that in between chasing wild Eric around and watching Peyton Manning in his rookie season, we were making selections for our brand new home, thinking that each decision had to last FoREveR!! Who knew forever would arrive in what seems to be A BLINK OF AN EYE?!

As time marched on, Sarah's horse-themed little girls room was transformed into a delightful young lady's room, and the cowboy-themed bedspreads in Eric's room were replaced with masculine solids. When we moved from our heavily wallpapered late '60's home, we thought wallpaper would never again appear on our walls, but here it is warmly welcoming our visitors through the back hall - and never did I think PEACOCKS would grace my walls; not by choice, anyway! To top off the change, I decided that with the amount of time I spend in my laundry room, it might as well be nice and comfty for ME ! It's amazing how a little update can make such a BIG difference!

I guess the moral of the story is two-fold. 1. Enjoy each day to its fullest, as time really does pass in an instant. 2. Never say never because you just might find a moment when change really does feel good!

Dessert Nite...YUM!

2010-11-07T21:50:00.003-05:00

While browsing in a kitchen supply store earlier, I was motivated to try a special cake creation. Okay, it may not look exactly like the commercial photo that was my inspiration, but next time....watch out - it will be perfect. Today's version was an experiment, so each layer implemented a different technique. Based on the final result, I now know which technique worked the best! Regardless of the woozy checkerboard, it tasted great! Best of all, it was shared with friends, who can all agree on one thing.....never a dull meal at this house!! It was great having you over Adam and Drew!

I hope all of you see something this week that inspires you to try something new!

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood...

2010-10-11T20:50:00.005-04:00

As Mr. Rogers always sang -"It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood!" That's what we had this weekend: Zionsville wins Friday night, Purdue wins Saturday, Pig Roast fun Saturday night (thanks to the Clarks!), Colts win Sunday - and the annual Blessing of the Hunt was Sunday in all the glorious fall colors.

With E and K at the Colts game, I couldn't resist grabbing my camera and heading out to our neighborhood to document its fall beauty. Hope you are enjoying your fall, and love your neighborhood as well!

Best Friends

2010-09-24T16:55:00.004-04:00

Hot Shot LOVED his kids...Little Sarah seen here circa 1991.

And Big Sarah seen here! (1999)

Sarah came up with the name Millenium when we were lucky enough to find this sweet dog at the Humane Society. She definitely rules the the roost!

Then along came Mr. Wild n Crazy....Speckles, the dog love of Eric's life. Those two were a pair with which to be reckoned!!

Leopold is a truly loyal dog who knows his job - making sure his people are all okay!

Over the years we have been blessed with countless hours of joy with our four legged friends. Currently Millie (Millenium) and Leo (Leopold) protect our turf, but Speckles was Eric's soul-mate, and Hot Shot was an awesome "starter" pet for Kevie.

The Season is Off to a Great Start!

2010-09-06T22:32:00.003-04:00

If only we could have this weather ALL the time (except a few night time rain showers would be nice to green up the grass)! A great holiday weekend was enjoyed, spending time with loved ones, family, and friends. The only thing that could have made the weekend just a bit more enjoyable would have been a Boilermaker victory in South Bend. We did get to see Zionsville win both Friday night and Monday night. Eric saw some playing time too, and our dear friends, The Mandels, were on hand to cheer.

Wishing Michael a Happy Birthday, and everyone else a great week!

It's School Time!

2010-08-18T12:57:00.003-04:00

This is Eric heading out the door for the start of his Junior year! Football is in full swing, as is the homework. We are looking forward to starting the college search process for this young man. With his diverse set of interests, we are thinking this could be fun!

After her return from digging, Sarah has been busy working and getting herself organized for her Sophomore year at Tufts. She has even been practicing her JAV! She is beyond thrilled to be getting back to Boston, and her friends.

Between the high school JV and Varsity games, the Boilermakers, and the Colts all demanding our presence, our fall already seems action packed. We will be cheering the various teams on to victory and look forward to being with family and friends. Go Boilers!

The Desperate Housewives of Boone County

2010-07-28T10:40:00.006-04:00

Desperate for attention, and dressed in our best, we came ready to get that pig! Pictured above are Susan, Lynette, Gabi, and Bree hiding in the background (possible foreshadowing of her entire scheme for the event)!

Enjoy the video!

2010-07-26T11:40:00.001-04:00

Havent changed much in 60 years! Still smiling!

2010 Summer Excursion

2010-07-21T11:21:00.008-04:00

Our recent excursion began in Belgium where we enjoyed eating chocolate from the fabulous Neuhaus Chocolatier while checking out the sights in Brussels. Catching up with Sarah between her archeoloical dig sessions made it even more special.

The La VilletteRestaurant provided a fine meal and excellent hospitality when the skies opened and we had to make a mad dash for their attic dining room. Its great when a seemingly frustrating situation turns out to be delightful! On to Barcelona where unique architecture abounds! We enjoyed viewing the sights from the seat of a bicycle on the Fat Tire Bike Tour.

Gaudi certainly left his mark on the city, as well as more recent architects like Frank Gehry, who designed the giant copper fish located in Port Olympia, right outside our hotel. From the scorching sun and temperatures of Barcelona, we went through the picturesque french countryside to Lyon, France passing through the Le Tour 2010 route, especially for Eric, the ultimate fan.

Once again we caught up with Sarah who trained south from visiting her French family in Brittany. We had lots of fun gathering freebies from the tour's parade, and experienced the "woosh" of riders as they passed in all their colors.

(Mark Cavendish wins Stage 11 Sprint)

After several days of chasing the route, and expanding our waistlines with the great food and wine in the area, it was back to Belgium where we trained to delightfully quaint Bruges, which mesmerized Kevin with the vast array of beers, and taunted me with all the wafting scents of chocolate, waffles, and fries. On our way out of town, we did all enjoy small cups of hot chocolate that was really just melted chocolate in a cup. YUM!

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T15:14:00.006-04:00

If a formula was to be created for rejuvination...it would certainly include friends, sunshine, a cool crisp lake, great food and beverages, and fireworks! All ingredients for a fabulous fourth! Once again, the Roederers served it up right! Hope you all enjoy the holiday weekend as well!

Pictured above is the sunset view from their porch on Lake Tippicanoe. The group of us have been friends since 1985, and some of us since 1965!! It was fun spending time with each other's children, as it seems they have all turned into such great young adults before we even realized the time had passed!

Kathy's Caprese Salad was delightful, and Kevin's grilled shrimp delectable! What's not pictured is Jim's slab of beef tenderloin which he marinated in red wine, lemon juice, and slooooow cooked on the grill - tremendous!

This and That!

2010-06-25T12:42:00.008-04:00

Enjoying summer with the children, less Kevin, who has been in trial and will continue to be in trial, but at least he is local so we get to see his smiling face regularly! While frequent storms have raised havoc in the middle of the night (on a seemingly regular basis), the days have been great. Flowers abound all around!

We also had a beautiful rainbow one evening!

Eric leaves tomorrow for here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceansunlimited/sets/72157603785857926/

with his wonderful Uncle JR! Very cool scuba diving in Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean! They even have a night dive planned. Wow! Surely all those hours sitting in front of the TV watching ocean related shows will come in handy while Eric explores sea life up close and personal!

Sarah only has a few days of missing her little brother before she heads off to her very first dig - a neolithic site in southern Belgium!Look like fun? I'm sure we will have entertaining stories when she returns in August!

Hope you all are enjoying your days as well!

Summer is here!

2010-05-31T11:53:00.005-04:00

Daughter home from college - check

First bike ride of the season with hubby and son - check

Papa's sailboat cleaned, waxed, and launched - check

Flower pots planted - check

Graduation gifts finished - check

Son's last day of school this week - check

Family vacation plans complete - check

Umbrella placed on patio - check

Yep! Summer IS here!! Enjoy!

Flashback : 1969

2010-05-20T23:48:00.004-04:00

Shortly after the family gathered around our 4-legged black & white TV set in the living room to watch video clips of Astronaut Neil Armstrong (Yay Purdue!) take his first steps on the moon, and just prior to Richard Nixon being elected our 37th president, the house on Forest View Drive was experiencing a flurry of activity....The Delaware Trail Elementary School Pumpkin Parade entries were being carefully crafted by the resident first and second graders. (With a little help from dad and mom, no doubt.)

What conscientious mother wouldn't dress in a lovely red dress with black heels to visit the grade school pumpkin extravaganza - and kneel down on the concrete front stoop (clearly interrupting the gutter cleaning operation by the man of the household as evidenced by the ladder to the left) to proudly pose by her children's creations?

Aaahh...those were the days!

He got it done! Congrats JR!

2010-05-08T12:30:00.006-04:00

Life is good when you are surrounded by amazing people. J.R. is certainly one of those amazing people enhancing the lives of those around him. After serving the United States for 31 years, (retired as a USN Command Master Chief), he decided to bring to life history lessons for our high school youth - having travelled COMPLETELY around the world on more than one occasion helps of course! So back to school he went, earning his Masters of Education. WOW! Great accomplishment J.R! Thank you for being such a GREAT ROLE MODEL!!

(We all know...behind every great man, is a great woman! Yay Mo!)

In his spare time, he has great hobbies to keep him busy, like certifying Scuba Divers. Here is one such scuba diver, Master Eric, just a few weeks ago in the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks again to J.R!

Travellin' Fool

2010-05-02T18:42:00.005-04:00

From Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, to New England - all in a weeks time. Whew!

The destination wedding on the white Sand Key Beach was just lovely. Thank you Karen and Steve for inviting us to share in your special weekend. The whole family was together (REALLY together - as in - all in the SAME house together). Many laughs and good times were shared in addition to the wedding which could not have been a finer affair. The gorgeous weather, the touching vows, the great Best Man and Maid of Honor, the tasty food, and the fun party with loved ones, all made for a weekend to remember! I only took a few shots since the professional photographer was camera-ready all weekend. ( http://www.amiciphotoblog.com ).

Then on to Boston to witness Sarah's participation as a New England Division III Hepthathlete! Heptathalon - 100M Hurdles, Shot Put, High Jump, 200M, Long Jump, Javelin, and 800M.

My friend since 4th grade, Raci, joined me in the viewing adventure. Again, the weather cooperated wonderfully, had lots of laughs, and even got to enjoy a great Al Forno ( http://www.alforno.com/ )meal in Providence, RI with her cousin John who was a Purdue Boilermaker with me in the 80's! Sarah even achieved a new Personal Record in her event!

She's an athlete!

2010-04-26T14:50:00.004-04:00

Last fall when we sent Sarah off to school, we knew she would expand her horizons in ways we couldn't possibly imagine, yet were thrilled for her to do so. One area that has really enriched her freshman year is TUTF, or Tufts University Track and Field. What a great group of student athletes!

This just shows how hard she has worked to achieve her goals! Can you tell that we are extremely proud of our student athlete? WOW Sarah, you amaze us! We look forward to hearing about your adventures for years to come! We love you (and miss you!)

P.S. My favorite part of the video is at the very end when you can hear one of her cheering fans say..."Man., she's kickin' butt!"

Around Town...Spring has sprung!

2010-04-08T22:38:00.008-04:00

(A beautiful Magnolia graces Kogan's on Main St. - the redbud and Helen's perennials are lovely too)
The first week of April I always have an extra bounce to my step - it could be that both my children were born during this week, or more likely, the bright colors making an appearance along my otherwise dreary daily route. The smell of fresh blooms, cut grass, and a storm fast approaching, all peak my senses this first week of April. I grabbed my camera today between rainstorms, and snapped a few photos of local bright spots.

(This was a 2" Bradford Pear when we planted it in 1998!)

This year the Magnolias (both trees and shrubs), Forsythias, Redbuds, Dogwoods, Cherry Trees, Bradford Pears, Serviceberries, along with the always pretty...daffodils, tulips, and crocus are gracing us with their presence this week.

I happened to notice this secluded backyard that has THOUSANDS of daffodils - all in bloom. Just breath-taking! Yay SPRING!

Eric's BIRTHDAY!

2010-04-02T15:39:00.006-04:00

85 Degrees, sunny skies, spring break, and BASKETBALL (Go BUTLER!) craziness all weekend! What a great time to be ERIC!

Hard to imagine that this precious 7 lb 7 oz bundle delivered to us 17 years ago is bigger than his big sister and mom, and on his way to catching dad! We are so blessed that we have ERIC to keep our lives so interesting! Happy Birthday, son!

And how about this action shot?! Take a close look...that's right - puke and the bird! Such special children!

Hope everyone has a great weekend, and HAPPY EASTER!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

2010-04-01T08:26:00.003-04:00

Most people know April 1st as April Fool's Day, but in this household, it's known as SARAH'S BIRTHDAY! 19 years ago we were blessed with this little (9 pound 5 oz) bundle of joy....

At 19 she is a lovely young lady, accomplished in so many ways, yet humble and true. We love you Sarah, Happy Birthday!

Aaahhh.....Spring!

2010-03-31T15:13:00.003-04:00

73 GLORIOUS degress, and not a cloud in the sky! Cats lounging in the sun, horses asleep on the sand dreaming of the green grass just outside their reach, daffodils brightly swaying in the wind, pansies in their pots, all signs proving that spring has really arrived! Oh yes, and the household males are GOLFING for the first time of the season...(yes, he put the parking brake on this time)!

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

....and normally I would place photos here of the afore mentioned happenings....but when I went out with the camera, the dog had disturbed the cat, and the horses jumped up when the saw me coming...so much for tranquility.

O how time flies....

2010-03-08T23:50:00.002-05:00

In just a few weeks these two adorable tykes will be 17 and 19! No matter how independent they have become, or how maturely they handle themselves in their daily lives now, they will always be these precious little souls to their mom and dad! We love you guys!

Impromptu Ski Vacation

2010-02-25T17:34:00.005-05:00

Well it wasn't a sunny beach on a caribbean island....(THANK YOU DELTA Airlines!)...but it was a great break from the daily doldrums. Something about our Rocky Mountains makes my heart sing with joy...hope you enjoy the few shots taken on my new Flip Video!

We were able to ski ALL DAY LONG (thanks to regular workouts paying off!) and enjoy the entire mountain. If you find yourselves in The Winter Park area, be sure to dine at The Tabernash Tavern on US 40 west of Winter Park....it has incredible food, great beer, and a delightful atmosphere.

Happy Valentines!

2010-02-12T10:19:00.004-05:00

Hoping you all share lots of laughter with your loved ones this weekend! With a -2 Degree reading on the way to Eric's school this morning, it seems like a good weekend to stay in and be cozy! The "Frozen Fog" was sure pretty though, especially when the sun peeked through.

Indiana Winter

2010-02-06T12:22:00.009-05:00

Hats off to Boone REMC for fielding a 1:52 AM call from us - NO POWER - and showing up less than an hour later in the middle of a blustery snowstorm to repair the downed line! Very impressive...but maybe installing a generator might be a good idea anyway!

Today is a new day - gorgeous sunshine- and up in Boston, Sarah successfully qualified for the Division III New England Competition in a few weeks! We are very proud of her and happy that her hard work has overridden the "less than impressive" coordination genes her dad and I passed on to her!!

And.......GO COLTS!!!! now...more pics of the mounds of snow....dogs having fun....etc!

The Christmas Cactus

2010-01-26T16:04:00.009-05:00

It's blooming! I'm thrilled that my birthday present from my mom (who got it from my grandma) is showing signs of THRIVING!. The Christmas Cactus lives for generations and it is my goal to pass it along again to my daughter...with the good Lord willing, as my grandma would say. Here's what I found written about this really wonderful plant....This beautiful little plant is native to Brazil. It lived in the Orgon Mountains just north of Rio de Janeiro in the southeastern part of the country, where the temperature is a constant 60 to 70 degrees. It grew wild nestled among the roots and cavities of the large trees where the soil was all naturally composted matter. It was named the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesi) because it bloomed in December and the leaves resemble the cactus. The Christmas cactus - which is not a cactus at all, but a tropical - was brought to the United States in the early 1800s.

This is my greenthumb grandma with Sarah circa 1995. She would be proud of my blossoming cactus!

And January continues....

2010-01-19T19:25:00.006-05:00

Frozen Fog Alert? Had no idea what they were talking about until my feet were in the air over my head which was on the ground under my Smart car. Ok- maybe they should mention that smooth surfaces will be similar to an ice skating rink! On the bright side - the trees did look pretty.

Nothing like beating the grey, damp days with a COUNTDOWN to SUNSHINE and BEACHES!

Even if you aren't planning on visiting the Caribbean anytime soon, you can enjoy the pictures to give the winter blues a respite!

Winter Wonderland!

2010-01-07T18:05:00.004-05:00

Even though a SNOW DAY was not to be had for the household students, it was a very fun snow day for mom! After exercising with Kevin for an hour to start the day, we were really warmed up and ready to shovel! Actually, while Kevin's preferred method of removing snow is with his technoshovel, I decided the leaf blower would do the trick! The snow was so light and fluffy (thanks to single digit temps), it literally blew away. Of course, a big thanks to Tom B. for taking care of the rest of the driveway for us....we weren't really THAT motivated! With the wind whipping around out there right now, I am sure we will get to do the whole routine again tomorrow. Something about the white flufffy stuff just makes the world a more beautiful place! Hope you got to enjoy your day too!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-02T21:12:00.005-05:00

Wishing you all a wonderful 2010! Make it all that you want it to be! We rang in the new year quietly this year after enjoying a lovely dinner at The Cobblestone Grill with our dear friends, The Roederers. As we watched Eric scurry around the restaurant bussing tables, we agreed that in a quick BLINK of an eye TEN years had passed! Remember the New Millenium hype? Oh the fun we had ringing in the year 2000! A horse drawn carriage surprised the children for a ride in the crisp night air to end 1999. An arcade complete with Karaoke was set up with care, not to mention the great food, and special t-shirts! To think the girls are now college students!

What do I take away from this? Life happens a moment at a time. Be sure to enjoy each one!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009!

2009-12-25T13:31:00.004-05:00

May the Peace of the Lord be with you all as you enjoy the holiday with your loved ones!

Schify Wins the 135# Carmel Tourney!

2009-12-19T17:55:00.002-05:00

It was cold and snowy outside, but ERIC was ON FIRE inside while he cruised through his weight class at the Carmel Invite to WIN the 135#! Check out the video (Kevie is NOT a professional videographer - obviously)! Congrats ERIC!

Holiday Happenings

2009-12-14T19:35:00.012-05:00

The recent frigid temperatures (single digits!) and snow flurries set us into "Holiday" motion the last few days. Tree is up and decorated, cards are almost complete, cookies have been baked (being given away rather than consumed by this WW blogger), and a good start has been made to the procurement of gifts! If you stop by for a visit, the evergreen aroma is present with the sounds of Christmas playing in the background. By Saturday our family will be under one roof just in time for Christmas! We wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday!

LEO MILLIE (hoping for a cookie!)

Happy December!

2009-12-02T19:29:00.004-05:00

Hope you are feeling the spirit of the season as you make your way through this December!

A Day of Thanks 2009

2009-11-26T22:26:00.006-05:00

A quiet, yet enjoyable meal was shared here with just the four of us and the three local Ransfords. Hope you all enjoyed the day with loved ones as well. Here are just a few shots of the bird....sisters...grandparents enjoying their grandkids...and finally, a snapshot of my parents on their 59th Thanksgiving together. WOW!

THANKSGIVING!

2009-11-23T21:39:00.006-05:00

Ole' Oaken Bucket 2009: PU Wins!

As I ponder the word THANKSGIVING, I consider just this past weekend, and am amazed of all the things of which I am thankful!

-Kevin arriving home safely from his travels, and getting him all to ourselves for a whole weekend!

-Seeing Eric spend good times with his dad and grandpa.

-The warm, sunny, November skies!

-GREAT FRIENDS whether they are fellow Boilermakers, or NOT.

-Great Chili as prepared by a wonderful hostess, ARLENE!

-Happy, fun-loving, dynamic, thoughtful, caring, and loyal YOUTH: friends of my daughter.

-First English Lutheran Church in Richmond, IN for always showing us a loving welcome.

-Starkey Park, a hidden gem!

-The whole family (yes, Eric too) is thankful that Sarah will be home in less than 24 hours!!

Thanks you all for such a great weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving!

COLTS 35 NE 34 !!!!!!

2009-11-16T17:32:00.003-05:00

Feeling exhausted this afternoon? But not minding it if watching the game last night is the reason! That's Leo in his favorite signed Dwight Freeney #93 hat celebrating the win over Belichick's Brady, Moss, and crew. How sweet was it when the famed coach decided it didn't matter WHERE Peyton got the ball with less than 2 minutes remaining- that he knew he would be able score IF he even got the chance!! GO COLTS!!!

Harvest Season in Indiana

2009-11-12T12:03:00.004-05:00

The three semi-trucks lined up along the corn fields west of our house meant only one thing....the combines are coming- the combines are coming! The harvest always seems to be exciting, even though we are not directly involved. Whether it's the awe of the powerful equipment, the group of farmers all working together, or just the passing of a season, the harvest always lifts our spirits and brings an extra bounce to our steps. Hope you can "enjoy the harvest" wherever you may be!

November Already?

2009-11-01T14:48:00.008-05:00

November 1st always means one thing....time to help Grandpa take the boat out again....seems like we just yesterday we watched him glide it in and expertly put in in the slip.

With the days becoming shorter....I thought I ought to take advantage of the sunshine and snap a few photos.....and I am always spending as much time as possible riding through the bean fields. (Those that have

been harvested...unlike the

adjacent fields to the East, South, and West of us....come on guys, get the combine going!!)

Here's a shout out to Sarah for surviving her first round of midterms/essays and passing with flying colors! Yes, this is a PPP (proud parent post), according to Kurt Kroemer, but sometimes it must be publically proclaimed! Keep up the GREAT work, daughter!

We love you!

RIP - Shirlee Feltes 1921 - 2009

2009-10-25T17:08:00.007-04:00

Energetic, big-hearted, spry, lively communicator, colorful, (especially PURPLE) hard working, loyal and loving...to name a few of the personality traits Kevin's grandma, aka GG, possessed. As warm memories play in our minds, our hearts are heavy as we grasp the realization that she is gone. I am sure she has kicked her heels up as she reunites with her loved ones in heaven. Her loved ones here will carry with them the loving imprint she made on us over the years we enjoyed her company. We will always think of her fondly, especially when wearing purple.

Three Generations

2009-10-19T13:10:00.008-04:00

Had a lovely visit with Sarah in Boston this weekend. She was happy that we came, and especially that we brought Grandma R with us too. Had fun getting to know her roommate Stephanie. (Yeah for the IWFL!) We enjoyed burgers in Cambridge, and great Italian at G'Vanni's in the North End, worshiping in Teele Square, and all the campus activities in between! We love our Sarareeee!! Thanks for being gracious hostesses!

Remembering Rosemary

2009-10-10T15:32:00.005-04:00

This morning as I headed down to the barn, I noticed many cars in my late neighbor's yard, and realized today was the Auction Day. Ugh. Knowing that my pack rat son's "Imaginatarium" would appreciate some additions, I woke him up, and we headed across the road. The scene was reminiscent of ants crawling over a discarded food container. I was happy that many of the oil paintings done by Rosemary's mother, who painted prolifically until her passing at 102 yrs old, went to friends and neighbors. I did pick up a few little trinkets that reminded me of the many times we were her "received" visitors. Eric enjoyed exploring the barn built in 1850 that housed a remarkable antique Studebaker Carriage. (See photos) I am glad the auction was held in the month of October - Rosemary's favorite time of year- fall colors, harvest, and Halloween! This day was a good reminder that we are just passing through this world, and we should live each day to its fullest. So with that in mind I'm going to enjoy the sunshine and get some exercise!

OCTOBER brings with it some of my favorite things!

2009-10-01T21:58:00.006-04:00

Crisp fresh air, the sounds of combines in the field, pumpkins and mums brightening entry ways, warm blankets for football game viewing comfort, new episodes of favorite sitcoms, minnie chocolate bars EVERYWHERE, an amazing array of colors sparkling in a single tree....just to name a few. What do you love about the season?

Here are some October shots from the present and the past.....

Eric winning the Championship...Speckles - our short-lived crazy dog...the combines running after dark....

and our wacky dear friends - The Kroemers!

HAPPY OCTOBER!!!

Happy Birthday Linda!

2009-09-25T06:52:00.001-04:00

Which day what day what do you say, BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday to you!

Hope you have a FABULOUS DAY!

Happy Birthday to Us!

2009-09-17T16:55:00.005-04:00

One of the Ransford sister's fondest childhood memories is their mom's chocolate ice water cake with thick buttercream frosting made lovingly each year for their birthdays. Even decades post childhood (yes...I did say decades) it is always thrilling to have a slice (or two or three...) of this cake. Let's just say I have even figured out how to manage to eat this cake AND stick with Weightwatchers.....who really needs to eat real food everyday anyway?? So this weekend I get to visit my sister during our shared birthday week....sans mom's cake...but we will make up for it at Christmas! Enjoy some photos of us "through the years":Which day what day what do you say....BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday to US!!

Parental Right of Passage

2009-09-03T21:06:00.009-04:00

The deed is done....had been anticipating it for a loooong time, and on Wednesday the day had finally come. We said our tearful goodbyes and left our first born 973 miles from the only place she has ever lived. Her new home is located in the historical and vibrant city of Boston- a great place for loved ones to visit(HINT HINT). While her dad and I sniffled our way into the car, she literally SKIPPED away from the vehicle, turned and gave us a smiling farewell wave. She is in the right place for sure! For eighteen years she has filled our hearts with laughter, love, and pride. We are certain that while she has expanded her wings, she will continue to impact us in her usual spectacular way. Below are a few pictures her "paparazzi" mom shot during the drop.

Painting Pair

2009-08-18T21:14:00.003-04:00

If you could choose how to earn a few extra bucks in the summer before heading off to Purdue (Go BOILERS!) and Tufts (Go JUMBOS ?), would it be slopping black acrylic paint (and tar) on a half mile of fencing? These two yeahoos spent the summer doing just that and besides looking FABULOUS, they even had a few laughs. (Ask Andrew about the permanent hand prints.) Thanks for a job well done. We will miss having these two hanging around, but we are sure they will be successful in the tracts of life they choose!

"ANDREW THE HAPPY PAINTER"

Meet The Potier Sisters!

2009-08-13T20:19:00.007-04:00

We have been blessed to have a visitor living with us for a month. Mathilde comes from the Brittany Coast. She and her sister, who is in the area for a return visit, got to inspect the corn and soy beans up close! Duncan, the horse, felt obligated to slobber all over them just to make them really feel like part of the family!

Below is the winner of this year's Grand Prix at Trader's Point. As usual, we had the "Kent corner", the first row cheap seats great for photo ops! This is VDL Oranto ridden by Chris Kappler.

23 Years of Wedded Bliss and Happy National Holiday Kevie!

2009-08-09T17:38:00.004-04:00

That's right - it's official...he has now been married for HALF of his life! Yes it is the better half :)

What is the story behind the cake with polk-a-dots, you ask? Well - he really is 46 going on 5. Did you notice the fancy first birthday cake his niece Evelyn enjoyed in a previous blog? Also recently, his 15 year old nephew sported really cool (for a 15 yr old) polk-a-dot shorts. Envious of both, Kevin made sure we all knew that he wanted both for HIS birthday! We are still waiting on the shorts to arrive - but the cake was fancy - SUCCESS! YES!
Meet Mathilde our guest from France! We have enjoyed getting to know her and having her as part of family. Today with cousin Anna visiting from Chicago, we all enjoyed the Trader's Point Grand Prix. It was a balmy 92 degrees, extremely humid, but the light breeze saved the day!

She's One!!

2009-07-23T23:16:00.006-04:00

Where does the time go??? Evelyn turned one last week, so we celebrated in style! She is really an incredibly happy kid - hope we can see more of her in her second year of life! Enjoyed the family time and we finally got to meet Steve! Welcome to this crazy family - and you demonstrated that you will successfully hold your own. Looking forward to many great times in the future.

Drew & Tugg!

2009-07-10T19:10:00.002-04:00

At Home With Drew Kogan - More The Indianapolis Star Galleries

Skyrocket in Flight!

2009-07-10T12:19:00.005-04:00

Eric and I experienced flying over Royal Gorge Canyon with a bird's eye view....

We HIGHLY recommend it! It always good to see the world from a different perspective when the opportunity presents itself.

Summer Vacation '09

2009-07-08T18:37:00.003-04:00

Having just returned from Colorado Springs, thought a few photos would sum up the trip...from the Yellow-Bellied Marmot on Pike's Peak (14,110 ft), white water rafting, riding the Skycoaster over the Royal Gorge, checking out the Air Force Academy, to relaxing at the beautiful grounds of the Broadmoor, a good time was had by all. If you have an opportunity to visit that part of our nation, we recommend it! Next time you speak to Kevin, ask him how he liked the SUSPENSION BRIDGE!

Knee High By The Fourth of July!

2009-06-28T18:13:00.002-04:00

Gotta love Indiana in the summer!

Eric's Philmont Adventure

2009-06-17T12:48:00.004-04:00

So exactly one week has passed since we dropped Eric off at the airport to head out to New Mexico for two weeks of BSA hiking and camping. I received a call today from an unknown number. It was Eric calling from the summit of Mt. Baldy, New Mexico. Cell reception was great, so they let all the boys phone home. He was thrilled about all of his adventures to date. Prior to the trip he was worried about the food, but said it is actually really good. Click on this link to see another hiker's account of Mt. Baldy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIWJrSG_JJk or check this one out.... www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDndUrQBv2w&feature=related

Whew! What a Ride!

2009-06-08T20:13:00.004-04:00

Who knew having your offspring complete a normal milestone would create such havoc on one household?! Meaningful gifts to create.....meaningful relationships to honor.....senior night.....open houses galore.....more meaningful gifts to create......relatives to invite..... baccalaureate to attend.....senior church service.....and GRADUATION! All this amidst the "regular" stuff..i.e. hubby gone for weeks on end, work, sports, school, animals, etc...... It's been a whirlwind, but enjoyable none the less. Here are some pics from our weekend for those who couldn't make it. Thanks to all who helped make Sarah's time so special, and for all those who travelled the distance for the occasion! We love you!

Braggin' Rights

2009-05-21T00:07:00.006-04:00

As Sarah's senior year comes to a close, many activities have been keeping her busy. She just finished her final track season last night with two good hurdle events....congrats. Her academics are basically concluded with the completion of her SIX AP exams over the last couple of weeks. Tonight she was honored at the Senior Awards night with the following SIX awards:

1. National Merit Scholarship Commendation Award

2. National French Level 5 10th Place Award

3. State of Indiana French Award

4. Top World Language Student Award

5. State of Indiana Future Problem Solving Program 2nd Place Award

6. Academic Award for >4.0 GPA

Her Magna Cum Laude academic cords for her graduation robe were also handed out, and they will accompany the National Honor Society and the French National Honor Society cords. While Kevie could not be present, his parent's drove in for the occasion. Also present were a very bored Eric, a happy Grandma R and KJ. (Hope you feel better soon Papa!) Your presence made her evening that much more special.

One of her former teachers told me today that Sarah's passion and work ethic is commendable. When you are used to seeing it, it is easy to take it for granted. With that in mind, I wanted to brag for Sarah tonight, since I know "braggin" is not her norm.

WAY TO GO SARAH!!! We are SO VERY PROUD of you!!!!

Congrats to Andrew too for receiving several impressive scholarships!!!

Sailing Season is Here!

2009-05-18T22:34:00.003-04:00

Sunday was a beautiful day to spend outside, so we headed out to wax "Short Wave." A few hours and sore muscles later, she is just like brand new. Best of all...the following compliment by way of old dad.."Check this out and notice the fine work of my crew, both in the cleaning of the boat and taking the pictures!"

I really enjoyed the day and thanks for inviting me!

DRIVER'S BEWARE!

2009-05-08T17:43:00.003-04:00

Mom is having heart palpitations as she watches her youngest DRIVE himself to work for the very first time. That's right, Eric is now a licensed driver......argh!! And here he is...

All In Fun!

2009-05-06T07:20:00.009-04:00

Earlier this year Kevin decided too many usually chippper people were down in the dumps. In typical Kevie fashion, he decided to remedy the situation himself....by throwing a big party JUST FOR FUN. Given the nature of our property, a Derby Party seemed like the perfect choice. Early May weather in Indiana is always iffy, so with many helping hands, we had a PLAN, and a PLAN B (in red denoting emergency contingency). But all was well. Not only did the sun shine down, but all the smiles and laughs definitely brightened up our little corner of the earth. I do believe a good time was had by all......and thanks to the foresight of two young men (Adam and Eric) AUTISM SPEAKS received a $300 donation! Thanks for coming out!

Here are some links for your information....

Fabulous food by Th e Cobblestone Grill

Beautiful flowers by Nana's Village House Flowers

Great tunes by Willy and the Tease

Clever cookies by P osh Pastries

Senior Prom 2009

2009-04-28T07:01:00.004-04:00

The weekend was delightful for the seniors heading off to Prom. It's always fun having the group over for pictures seeing all the lovely young ladies and dapper young men. Even Jim R got in on the act this year by having his classic Cutlass available for photos, even if it wasn't on purpose.

LESSON: Horse Hoof Always Wins Battle with Human Face

2009-04-26T13:54:00.002-04:00

Hectic Household!

2009-04-16T22:22:00.004-04:00

Kevin decided our backyard was in need of a makeover, and tadah.....here is the new space in progress, and complete with gas firepit and water feature (installed by Eric and Kevin). Good job guys!

Eric was selected as Best Delegate at the last Model UN competition, which was extra special because his sister was NOT selected! And while we are on the subject of Eric...he is trying something new this year. Pole Vault! To date he has cleared 8'. Nice effort!

Spring Break '09

2009-04-06T12:49:00.004-04:00

Thanks to the Covals, Kroemers, Dunns, Edelmans, Joey, Karen, and Tom for all the laughs and relaxation! If you're inclined to cruise in the future, Royal Caribbean does a fine job. The weather helped of course, since it was sunny and 70-80's every day! Turning 16 & 18 on a Caribbean cruise will be a memory for a lifetime, I'm sure. Glad you enjoyed your days, Sarah and Eric! Also happy to report that the norovirus, Norwalk GI attacks were limited to OTHER passengers, and none of our own 23! Being quarantined in a cruise cabin would not be a dream vacation! If you are in the mood for laughing while reading, Jen Lancaster's books are a must! I think of a vacation as sucessful if more than a couple books are completed, and I got thruough four! Here are a few photos....

SIBLING RIVALRY AT ITS FINEST:

.
Sarah enjoying Jamaica

A DASHING DUO!

On The Lighter Side....

2009-03-05T08:06:00.007-05:00

Top Ten Reasons You Know You're Getting Old - When.....
10. It takes twice as long to look half as good.
9. College Athletes were born long after you graduated.
8. You read more and remember less.
7. Your mind makes contracts your body can't keep.
6. Gravity has become your worst enemy.
5. Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.
4. Your childhood toys are now in a museum.
3. Dusty clothes at the back of your closet... have come back in style.
2. You fondly recall downing colored sugar water inside a wax coke-shaped bottle.

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON I KNOW I'M GETTING OLD....WHEN

1. The Bass player on stage at the "NIGHTJAR" concert, is your best friend's KID!!
(And you ask yourself....how did we get this old?)

Check out Nightjar....they are really good! (Just click on the picture)

Two Funerals and A Concert

2009-02-21T17:51:00.005-05:00

Friday brought a day I would rather not have had to experience. It is always hard saying goodbye to someone special, but twice in one day...not right!

The first was Merlyn Olson. Over the past few years, Merlyn and I shared laughs and great discussions during our trips back from his dialysis. Merlyn's best years were behind him, having lived a full life and getting to see his grandkids grow-up. While it is a great blessing that he no longer suffers in his earthly body which had been failing him for years, it weighs heavy in my heart that I won't have any more Merlyn moments.

The loss of our friend, Dr. Stephen Williams, is such a tragic loss! Cancer is such an ugly disease and he had devoted his life to trying to find a way to prevent it, saving many from it in the meantime. His funeral was truly a celebration of an incredible man's impact on this world, from renowned cancer research physician, to wonderful husband, and father. He lived his life with such grace, humility, and sincerity. We are all better off for having known him.

To read more about Steve, click this link: http://cancer.iu.edu/news/Williams/Williams.php

Okay, on a lighter note.....Two Funerals, and a Concert is the title up there.....so what about a concert?

Kevie decided that I needed a little pick-me-up, (part of his CPP - Carolyn Pampering Program) so he decided we should head up to Chicago for the night, and Thievery Corporation was playing at the Aragon Ballroom , so we went. If you like a talented drummer, and a LOT of bass guitar, this concert is for you. Luckily, we got there early enough that we found chairs to sit in so we did NOT have to participate in the mass spinning on the main floor. All I can say is that it was an interesting people watching evening that was successful at letting me a few hours to forget the sadness from earlier in the day.

Blizzard '09!!

2009-02-03T14:58:00.003-05:00

Remember the Snow Day last week? It was all in good fun because the sun was shining and the wind was NOT blowing. Fast forward and today it is COLD and WINDY! "Wind chill readings 10 below" is the quote from the weather channel. But to top it off - no snow day today. Maybe tomorrow. UGH!

The horses don't seem to mind it though, but the dogs are snug on their beds.....inside!

SNOW DAY!

2009-01-28T19:37:00.007-05:00

The boys worked hard clearing drives all day. It's quite an operation they have devised. Leo loves the snow, and had to be in on all the activity.